SCI-NET Learning Modules

Photosynthesis: The Light ReactionThe module provides a discussion of the importance of photosynthesis and an overview of the basic processes that occur during photosynthesis. The light reactions of photosynthesis are discussed in detail. This module covers the structure of the chloroplast, the mechanisms of harvesting light energy, photosystem I reactions, photosystem II reactions, the electron transport system, and photophosphorylation. Click here to download this module.

Photosynthesis: The Carbon Dioxide Fixation ReactionsThe module provides a discussion of the importance of photosynthesis and an overview of the basic processes that occur during photosynthesis. The Calvin Cycle is discussed in detail with additional information on C4 plants and CAM plants. Click here to download this module.

Cellular Respiration-Enzymes and CoenzymesThis module covers an introduction to enzymes, coenzymes, and enzyme catalysis. Click here to download this module.

Cellular Respiration-GlycolysisThe module will provide a discussion of the importance of respiration and an overview of the basic processes and metabolic steps that occur during glycolysis. Click here to download this module.

Cellular Respiration-Krebs CycleThe module will provide a discussion of the importance of respiration and an overview of the basic processes and metabolic steps that occur during the Kreb's cycle. Click here to download this module.

Cellular Respiration-Electron Transport and ATP SynthesisThis module covers the function of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and its relationship to ATP synthesis. Click here to download this module.

Snail Shells in a Practical Application of Statistical ProceduresThis module contains the materials for a laboratory exercise which introduces the concepts of probability, normal distribution, standard deviation, homogeneity of variance and Student's t-Test in a biological context. The module is designed for biology students in high schools or those taking introductory biology laboratory courses in colleges and universities. Using this module requires a ruler, a pencil and a calculator. Students can use photographs of snail populations to measure shell height, width and aperture from snails collected from two habitats; Alpha and Beta. The data collected can then be processed to determine if the dimensions of the shells are significantly different using a t-Test. The module also contains an ExcelTM spread sheet containing measurements of shell height, width, aperture and weight for shells collected from both habitats so that instructors can have the option of carrying out the exercise without requiring the students to measure the shell dimensions themselves. The module represents essentially a cost effective means by which students can be introduced to some of the fundamental aspects of statistics. Click here to download this module as a ZIP file. Unzip the files into a folder by themselves.

Simulation of Predation ExperimentThis module provides students with the means by which a simulation of predation can be carried out in a classroom. Most students enjoy this exercise because of its "hands on" engagement. It is designed to be used in conjunction with an explanation of feeding preference referencing published works on selective predation such as those dealing with industrial melanism and the peppered hawk moth, Biston betularia, and the effect of polymorphism on predation in the banded snail Cepaea nemoralis. Click here to download this module as a ZIP file. Unzip the files into a folder by themselves.

BioinformaticsThis module provides students with the means to analyze DNA sequences. Restriction enzymes, used to isolate and clone DNA, are discussed. Several Internet-based exercises are used to show how DNA sequences can be used to identify an unknown bacteria or compare DNA sequences to a world-wide database of DNA sequences in order to identify a gene. Click here to download this module as a ZIP file. Unzip the files into a folder by themselves.

Protein and Enzyme StructureThis module provides students with the means to study the structure and function of proteins and enzymes. A software program called RasMol is used to display the 3-D structure of proteins and manipulate the image on screen. Click here to download this module as a ZIP file. Unzip the files into a folder by themselves.

Mitosis

Meiosis

Endosymbiont TheoryThis module covers the theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts, organelles of eukaryotic cells, originated as prokaryotes that were taken up by eukaryotic cells. The module will allow students to explore the scientific definition of "theory", types of evidence, evaluation of evidence, and evidence based on subjects that the students will have learned in a college freshman biology class.